Anjum Nisar emphasizes need for separate representation, quotas for businesswomen in every sector
\n Islamabad
\nThe Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry\u2019s Businessmen Panel (BMP) has pointed out that Pakistan ranks 145th out of 146 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index, second only to Afghanistan, as the country continues to face significant challenges in achieving gender equality.
\nWomen\u2019s economic participation can promote agricultural productivity, enterprise development at the micro, small and medium enterprise levels, as well as enhance business management and returns on investment.
\nThis was stated by FPCCI former president and BMP Chairman Mian Anjum Nisar, while talking to a reception hosted by the Businessmen Panel\u2019s Women Wing to mark the International Women Day here on Sunday.
\nHe emphasized the need for separate representation and appropriate quotas for businesswomen in every sector. He stated that women should be given 30 to 40 percent representation in business institutions so that they can demonstrate their abilities in all fields of life.
\nSpeaking at the event, celebrating the historic success of the BMP Women Wing, the Businessmen Panel chairman highlighted that the constitution guarantees the protection of women\u2019s rights, but these laws are not fully implemented. Both the government and the private sector need to play their role in providing opportunities for the development of women.
\nMian Anjum Nisar stressed the importance of skill development for women to succeed in practical life. He said that national progress is not possible without integrating women into the mainstream. One of the major barriers to the development of women is the lack of access to loans from banks, which must be addressed.
\nOther participants of the meeting who spoke at the event echoed the need for the private sector to join hands with the government in creating a conducive environment and providing equal opportunities for business women.
\nLike many Asian countries, Pakistani women form a major part of the labor, as they play a catalytic role in the achievement of transformational economic, environmental, and social changes essential for sustainable development.
\nHistorically, women have played a vital role in many developing economies, struggling to build a pathway out of poverty for themselves and the surrounding communities. In Pakistan, they have been a major driver of Pakistan\u2019s economy.
\nParticipants of the meeting said that Pakistan needs more of these initiatives that allow women to gain more control over their resources and have greater decision-making power in the households.
\nEnterprising interventions such as these ensure inclusive growth and profitability, allow for income-generating activities that are sustainable, and strengthen women\u2019s overall bargaining power in the household \u2013 in terms of land and property rights, financial security, access to markets and assets, and profits.
\nA large proportion of production attributable to women makes them key agents of economic development and essential to making Pakistan economically strong.
\nThe productivity and economic empowerment of women should therefore be a logical priority of corporate programs and national policies of Pakistan. The priority is warranted both in terms of the importance of women\u2019s contribution to economic growth and as a source of livelihood and poverty reduction.
\nThese initiatives represent new opportunities that should address gender disparity because poverty is deeply rooted in the imbalance between what women do and what they have.
\nIt provides a deeper insight into the role and contribution that marginalized women can play to improve their position within the household and society at large. Creating such inclusive settings in Pakistan is important and necessary as the country is already struggling economically.
\nThis will be done through several government initiatives which will find new ways for women to help grow the economy. Women\u2019s equality is a priority for this government, which is why it has committed to close the gender pay gap once and for all.
\nNot only is it vital to create the incentives for more women to continue entering the labor force, it will help drive further economic growth to help build the foundations of a stronger economy.
\nTo break down barriers for women at work, the government has been claiming to deliver more choices for families, with further rollouts of free childcare, new school-based nurseries, and wraparound care in free breakfast clubs at primary schools.
\nThrough its landmark women protection bills, it is taking steps towards requiring employers to publish gender pay gaps and menopause action plans.
\nThe bill will also improve equality for women in the workplace, by introducing more robust measures to safeguard working people, including protections from sexual harassment, and enhanced rights for pregnant workers.
\nIt is to be noted that the Prime Minister recently reaffirmed his commitment to gender equality, stressing that women\u2019s empowerment could only be achieved through equal access to education, skill development and employment opportunities.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s our mission and an unwavering commitment to ensure emancipation of the country\u2019s female population,\u201d he said while addressing an event in Islamabad marking International Women\u2019s Day, observed globally on March 8 to celebrate women\u2019s achievements and advocate for their rights.
\nDuring the event, PM Shehbaz launched Islamabad\u2019s first-ever Gender Parity Report, prepared by the NCSW and UNFPA. The report identifies challenges and solutions in key areas such as education, health, governance, political representation and justice.
\nThe prime minister pledged collaboration with provinces to enh\u00adance women\u2019s participation in economic programs and announced the establishment of a Working Women\u2019s Endowment Fund to support women in overcoming contemporary workplace challenges.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Anjum Nisar emphasizes need for separate representation, quotas for businesswomen in every sector Islamabad The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry\u2019s Businessmen Panel (BMP) has pointed out that Pakistan ranks 145th out of 146 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index, second only to Afghanistan, as the country continues to face significant challenges […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":316323,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-466201","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n